By: SUMAYA ABDEL-MOTAGALY
The city of Laurel will host its annual Juneteenth celebration June 21 in Granville Gude Park from 3 to 7 p.m.
This year’s celebration will spotlight over 60 local Black-owned vendors as well as local artists. Cheer teams from Laurel High School and Laurel Boys and Girls Club will perform. There will also be family-friendly games and an opportunity to enter a raffle to win a gift basket.
“This is a day to honor and celebrate African-American freedom,” Maria Morales, administrative assistant for Laurel’s city clerk and a member of the Juneteenth committee.
The city has officially celebrated Juneteenth since October 2021, when Valroie Nicholas, the first African-American female council president, proposed the idea.
The celebration will begin later this year due to heat-related concerns.
“We definitely want to encourage people to come out and enjoy themselves,” Morales said.